Wild horse race added to May 24 event

Ridge Rider president George Kohout, left, and Sev Carden and Shane Marchand were at the Rodeo Grounds going over the details of the wild horse race that will occur during the 3rd Annual Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Riding event, May 24. The group is looking or at least 12 cowboy teams of three to take part in the wild horse race. - Roger S. Lucas photo

There will be bucking bulls, and more bucking bulls, and a wild horse race!

A wild horse race?

That's right, an added feature to the third annual Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Riding event this year, May 24, is a wild horse race.

It will all happen in the Ridge Rider Rodeo arena, and goes something like this: The Ridge Riders are seeking 12 teams of three cowboys each to take part in the wild horse race.

The idea is that one has the bit, another holds the head and the third cowboy tosses the saddle on and gets on the wild horse and must ride it through barrels strategically placed in the arena. If the cowboy gets bucked off, he has to get back on and complete the task.

Cowboy teams compete for the best time. How long will it take to catch a wild horse and complete the task?

It wasn't made clear how six teams can catch and hold six wild horses racing around the arena.

It should be fun, and the event will chalk up another first for the Ridge Riders.

Sev Carden and Shane Marchand are putting the event together. Carden said that if they get 12 teams, it will be held in two go-rounds with the top two in each go-round competing for the money, a $500 purse.

There will be prizes, like the traditional belt buckle, for others.

Marchand stated that Steve Palmer is supplying the wild horses.

The wild horse race events will be held during breaks in the bull riding event, which features a $2,500 added purse.

Carden, a professional bull rider, will be taking part in the memorial event and later that day will also ride in the rodeo at Coulee City.

Ridge Rider President George Kohout said the timing of the local event was set up so cowboys could compete at both places.

"We want rodeo fans to attend both events," Kohout stated.

The event at the Rodeo Grounds begins at 4 p.m.

Those interested in developing a team can call Marchand at 509.631.4156, or Carden at 509.634.6559, for additional information.

Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $8 for students. Those under 10 are admitted free.